Paul O’Grady’s daughter, 48, breaks silence on legend dad’s death and reveals ‘we’re all devastated’
PAUL O’Grady’s daughter has said the family is “devastated” following the star’s sudden death.
The comedian, drag queen and broadcaster passed away “peacefully” on March 28 aged 67.
His only child, born following O’Grady‘s brief relationship with Diane Jansen in the early 1970s, last night said she was “distraught”.
Sharon Mousley, 48, from Liverpool, told MailOnline: “What can I say? We are all devastated – I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him.
“We are all distraught.”
O’Grady became a father aged just 18 and he and Sharon were said to be incredibly close.
The Lily Savage icon gave his daughter away at her wedding to Philip Mousley in 2005 and she joined him at Buckingham Palace when he was awarded an MBE for services to entertainment three years later.
O’Grady became a grandfather following the births of Abel, now 16, and Halo, 14, whom he has described as “wonderful”
His husband, former professional ballerina Andre Portasio, 41, confirmed his death earlier this week.
He said: “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
The TV legend was known for his drag alter ego Lily Savage, as well as stints on daytime TV and radio.
This included Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, Blankety Blank on BBC, the Paul O’Grady Show and Blind Date.
O’Grady, who had racked up an £8.4million fortune, was also famous for being a devoted dog lover, fronting several TV shows about man’s best friend and becoming an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but he had struggled with his health in recent years and taken on an “exhausting” amount of work.